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Ted Ginn Jr. is the obvious answer to why the 49ers beat Seattle 33-17. When Seattle narrowed the score to 19-17, in just over a minute of game time, Ginn tore off a 102-yard kickoff return and a 55-yard punt return to seal the win.

But really, the 49ers won in all phases, with Alex Smith playing mistake free and the defense sacking Tarvaris Jackson five times.

San Francisco also won with smarts. The temptation was to overcoach, particularly with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh facing his college nemesis Pete Carroll. Instead, the 49ers went with simple plays. Defensive end Ray McDonald said the defensive coaches believed Seattle would max protect to safeguard Jackson, so the defense decided not to blitz.

On special teams, coach Brad Seely schooled his return teams to simply take one side on their defender and then allow Ginn to read it and go. That’s exactly what happened. It wasn’t fancy, but it was basic, smart and ultimately, winning football.

Then Harbaugh spiced in a little motivational twist by repeating the phrase his father, who attended the game, learned from his dad. It goes like this. One Harbaugh asks the question, “Who has it better than us?” Then there’s a short pause and everybody responds, Noooobody!”

If you’re feeling a little discouraged, try it. It works. And it worked really well Sunday.

NOTES: WR Michael Crabtree had an X-ray on his foot after the game, which proved negative. Crabtree started limping and then Harbaugh pulled him. Crabtree caught one pass for 4 yards. … Ray McDonald made his first sack in two years. He also tied for the team lead in tackles with six and had three hits on the quarterback. … Parys Haralson collected two sacks. This is the first time in two years his shoulders have been healthy. … Harbaugh hugged quarterback Alex Smith a couple of times when he came to the sidelines said, “He played tough.” Compare that to how Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary treated Smith.

TRUE CONFESSION: I told Ginn that I said the 49ers should replace him as a returner during my game-day blog. Ginn said: “People have doubted me. They say I run to the sidelines too much; I did pretty well today.” Well said.